Zim Club Boss: No Formal Offer From Pirates

Photo sourced from Highlanders Facebook page

Highlanders FC have moved to play down rumours linking highly rated Zimbabwean youngster Prince Ndlovu with a move to Orlando Pirates, insisting that no formal approach has been made for the midfielder at this stage.

Prince [Ndlovu] had a trial with Orlando Pirates in 2023 at the age of 17 but the South African club chose to not sign the youngster.

Recent speculation has suggested that the 19-year-old could be on the radar of the Soweto giants, but in an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, Highlanders CEO Denzel Mnkandla made it clear that the Bulawayo-based club has not received any official communication from Pirates regarding the player.

Mnkandla explained that, while he is aware of the rumours circulating, there is currently nothing concrete to substantiate claims of an imminent transfer.

“Yeah, I’ve just also been seeing these rumours about Prince. Unfortunately at the moment, there has not been any formal communication between Orlando Pirates and ourselves, Highlanders, regarding Prince. So unfortunately, I can neither confirm nor deny if there is such interest,” Mnkandla told Soccer Laduma.

Despite the lack of an official approach, Highlanders are not closing the door on a potential move, whether to Pirates or any other club. Mnkandla acknowledged Ndlovu’s talent and admitted that, while the player remains part of the club’s plans, transfers are an inherent part of football.

“However, Prince is a good young player, with very good potential and we were actually planning with him in our squad, he’s coming here. But I mean with transfers, anything can happen and ultimately if the player feels he is in the right moment to move, then we cannot stop that. But like I said, unfortunately, we haven’t yet had any formal or written interest from Orlando Pirates. But yeah history will tell you that Highlanders always sells players to South Africa. Most recently we sold Mason Mushore to AmaZulu. So we have got a good relationship with South African teams in terms of player transfers and we hope that continues,” Mnkandla observed.

Ndlovu is widely regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders to emerge from Highlanders in recent years, a club renowned for producing top talent. His rise has already attracted attention beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, with the midfielder having previously spent time on trial at Orlando Pirates.

For now, however, Highlanders maintain that any talk of a move remains speculative, with the club awaiting formal contact before engaging in discussions over the future of one of their brightest prospects.

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